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Tonneau Solenoid

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Old May 26, 2017 | 08:14 AM
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Tonneau Solenoid

Hello - I'm a newbie so forgive dumb questions ! :-)

I'm working on my sons 88 IROC conv. I noticed there are solenoids that look like they are supposed to pop the tonneau cover. Where is the switch that would activate this.

Also - is it possible to replace the rear window? This one is so fogged it drives me nuts. On my 71 Olds convertible the rear window zips in. This one looks like it is sewn in.

Thanks.....TP
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Old May 26, 2017 | 10:34 AM
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From: Los Angeles
Car: 1989 IROC Convertible
Engine: 350 TPI L98
Transmission: WC T5
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: Tonneau Solenoid

The switch is between the power windows switches in the center console.
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Old May 26, 2017 | 10:40 AM
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Re: Tonneau Solenoid

Thank you for replying Tootie - I thought that switch was for the trunk release ?
(neither is working at the moment)
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Old May 26, 2017 | 11:36 AM
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From: Knoxville, TN
Car: 1988 IROC-Z
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: T56 swap ongoing
Axle/Gears: 2.77 9-bolt Posi
Re: Tonneau Solenoid

I might be barking up the wrong tree, but you might need to pull the emergency brake, or if it's like my '88, push in the clutch pedal (if equipped) while operating the switch to get that to work.


I could be wrong, but it might be worth checking out.
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Old May 26, 2017 | 01:23 PM
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From: Los Angeles
Car: 1989 IROC Convertible
Engine: 350 TPI L98
Transmission: WC T5
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: Tonneau Solenoid

No, that's it. I am replacing that switch with a "window" switch and pushing forward will release the cover, "window up" and pushing backward "windows down" will pop the trunk. I just need to add some wiring and a standard GM trunk solenoid to the trunk mechanism.

And I can't find the switch wiring for the convertible but I would bet it uses the same interlock as the hatch models. Park for autos, e-brake for manuals.
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Old May 26, 2017 | 02:27 PM
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Re: Tonneau Solenoid

So wait - am I to understand that when the E-Brake is down the switch activates the trunk and when the E-brake is up it activates the solenoids on the top ?

Wow - that is weird. No wonder I cant figure it out!!! LOL
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Old May 26, 2017 | 02:54 PM
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From: Los Angeles
Car: 1989 IROC Convertible
Engine: 350 TPI L98
Transmission: WC T5
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: Tonneau Solenoid

Hah, no, the center console switch. The Park position (used in automatic transmission cars) -or- the Emergency Brake (used in manual cars) is needed to enable the switch to work in the first place. In other words, you can press the cover button but it wont do anything unless the transmission selector is in P
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Old May 26, 2017 | 03:55 PM
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Re: Tonneau Solenoid

lol - ok.

So where is the switch for the conv. top?
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Old May 26, 2017 | 04:34 PM
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From: Los Angeles
Car: 1989 IROC Convertible
Engine: 350 TPI L98
Transmission: WC T5
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: Tonneau Solenoid

There isn't one. It's a slide lever on the drivers side next to the rear passenger's left shoulder.
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Old May 27, 2017 | 01:54 PM
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From: Destin, Florida
Car: 91 Trans Am Convertible
Engine: LB9 5.0 TPI
Transmission: 5 SPD
Axle/Gears: Posi Rear
Re: Tonneau Solenoid

The replacement window will need to be sewn in. Tough job without removing the top from the frame. Not sure the window can be bought separately from the top. If you determine you want to replace the top, consider one that uses a glass window.
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